Western Illinois University Professor Eric C. Sheffield has been named director of the WIU School of Education, according to College of Education and Human Services Dean Francis Godwyll. He has served as interim director since November 2019. “Professor Eric Sheffield came to us after 14 years of service in the state of Missouri higher education system, and an additional 14 years in the P-12 system,” said Godwyll. “He came into the position at a very challenging time. He hit the ground running and has been a pillar around which the new School of Education has been formed. He has... Read More

The Western Illinois University student delegation was recently recognized while attending the Great Lakes Affiliate of College and University Residence Halls (GLACURH) conference. The delegation was made up of Téa Wheat (NRHH-CC), a senior elementary education major, from Brookfield, IL; Sarah Kallbrier (IHC NCC), a senior recreation, park and tourism administration (RPTA), of Carlinville, IL; Brooke Barnes, a junior nursing major, from Plainfield, IL; Jazzy Hennessee, a freshman music major, of Rochelle, IL; Jon’a Levi, a freshman communication major, of Bettendorf, IA; Katlynn Davis,... Read More

MACOMB/MOLINE, IL – A peer-based program that helps Western Illinois University students in the classroom has been altered during the COVID-19 pandemic for continued use by several professors. The Learning Assistant (LA) program originated at the University of Colorado more than a decade ago, but was brought to Western’s Quad Cities campus by James Rabchuk, assistant dean of the WIU College of Arts and Sciences, about four years ago and use began on the Macomb campus about one year ago. The program brings peer students into the classroom for lectures, to help steer discussions and problem-solving... Read More

In the wake of the Covid pandemic, Quad-Cities students need more help than ever before to succeed in school – and life, and United Way Quad Cities has teamed with local colleges to fill the need. They are providing the new QC Tutor Connection to area K-12 students. “Parents are struggling with keeping their kids are on track and need some assistance with home-based learning,” said Rene Gellerman, president/CEO of United Way Quad Cities. “We’re being proactive in reimaging how we ensure all our kids succeed in school. Education has been and will continue to be the best investment in the... Read More

The Putnam Museum (1717 W. 12th St., Davenport) is playing around in its newest exhibit, as it explores the role of play and toys through culture and time in society. From antiquity and from around the world, guests will see toys that reflect societal norms and other sociological trends. “Play: The Story of Toys” is an original Putnam exhibit, set to open Saturday, Nov. 21, on the main west gallery upstairs. The exhibit will be included with general admission and remain open through August 2021 at the Putnam, a Smithsonian Affiliate museum. “Our latest exhibit features items from the Putnam’s... Read More

The Western Illinois University School of Global Education and Outreach has transitioned to become the Center for Global Studies. The Bachelor of General Studies degree program has moved from within the department under the umbrella of University Libraries. “We plan to bring some exotic and exciting culture, some charisma, and some energy to the campus by broadening our outreach to become truly global,” said Center Executive Director Randy Glean. The office provides services to international students, as well as hosts unique cultural activities and educational learning experiences.... Read More

The Virtual Writers Studio hosted by Ryan Collins and the Midwest Writing Center will scribble in online from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday. Here are the details: Writer’s Studio will be meeting virtually in the private Facebook Group listed below at the regular time (1st and 3rd Saturdays of each month, 11am-1pm). Writer’s Studio regulars or anyone interested in sharing and discussing their work in a constructive space, we’ve started a private group on Facebook for writers to connect while not meeting in-person. Please see the link below to join the group We will also be sharing other writing... Read More

The Western Illinois University Resident Assistant Council (RAC), in partnership with the Salvation Army, will provide this year’s Community Turkey Dinner through curb-side pick-up, from 5-7 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 19 in Tanner Circle. This annual event is open to the Macomb community. The free meal will include turkey, mashed potatoes and gravy, green beans, dinner rolls and sugar cookies. “The RA Council’s Annual Turkey Dinner is something very important to us and something that we feel is an important event for the Macomb community,” said RAC Advisor Erica Hoffman. “Especially... Read More

BREAKING NEWS: Illinois High School sports will be put on hold effective immediately, and could be delayed through 2020 and into spring 2021 due to covid-19 mitigations, according to a statement released this evening by IHSA Executive Director Craig Anderson. The statement was released following Illinois Governor JB Pritzker’s announcement of moving Illinois to Tier 3 mitigations for covid-19 starting Friday. There’s no set date for the return of sporting activities, however the statement says the IHSA remains “optimistic” for a return soon. The statement reads as follows: IHSA... Read More

Illinois Governor JB Pritzker sounded a somber and sometimes irritated note during his daily press conference on covid-19 today, warning “we’re in for a very difficult few months” and saying we might very soon get to a point where he has “no other choice than to have a mandatory shutdown.” “What will it take to make this real for you?” Pritzker said. “Do we have to reach a positivity rate of 50 percent like we’re seeing in Iowa today? Are you waiting for your health care workers to get sick to a point where you don’t have enough staff in the local... Read More